We just can’t get away from the old stuff, can we? No sooner do they start making cell phones tiny enough to fit into a teacup, than we go out and start buying add-ons which make them look like a brick. Crazy! So why then are we surprised to see that some enterprising soul has come up with a kit for converting an old manual typewriter into a fully functioning USB computer keyboard?

The USB Typewriter Conversion Kit is available to fit most major brands of typewriter, dating from the 1920s through the late ’60s, so the Underwood, Olivetti, Smith Corona et al which is sitting on your dusty garage shelf should be catered for in one way or another.

Luckily for us ham fisted types, there’s no soldering or complicated stuff involved, although you will need to be comfortable wielding a screwdriver, pliers, glue and tape and some sandpaper. The whole project is open sourced, and instructions are available on the Instructables site. The complete kit (minus the typewriter of course) is priced at $74.00 (£48.00).